Russland

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LAVROV: RUSSIA AND CROATIA WANT TO ADVANCE COOPERATION

ZAGREB, Dec 10 (Hina) - Croatia and Russia want to advance their cooperation, especially in the areas of commerce and economy, and Russian business people are interested in investing in Croatia, Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov said after meeting President Stjepan Mesic in Zagreb on Friday.#L#
Russian business people are interested in investment projects in Croatia, particularly in power production and tourism. It is our plan to join Druzba and Adria oil pipelines, the Russian official said.

Asked about Croatia's and Russia's position on the Druzba-Adria project, Lavrov said that the two countries shared the same position on the project.

We are interested in the project, we believe that it has prospects and that it is economically viable, Lavrov said, adding that concerns about the environmental effects of the project should be considered by experts and not factors which had nothing to do with environmental issues.

Asked when Russian President Vladimir Putin would visit Croatia, Lavrov said that Putin had not forgotten President Mesic's invitation which the Croatian president reiterated at today's talks. The visit will be organised when the schedules are harmonised, he added.

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